With the offseason officially upon us, today’s Daily Cup of Joe makes an attempt at slotting the Carolina Hurricanes roster for a winner in 2018-19. In doing so, gaps emerge where the team needs to get better. Certainly it is possible that young players seize these spots, but placing a bunch of bets on players with no NHL experience to parachute into top roles and be good at it is a dice roll.
Goalies
Starter: ___________Â Â Â Â Â Â (Potential Starter: Scott Darling with rebound but with low probability)
Backup: Cam Ward (if re-signed)
I wrote about this in some detail in Friday’s article.
That is a big place to have a gap and definitely a situation to watch. Because of the cost, does the team go with a dice roll on a Scott Darling rebound? Might the Canes have to spend on a third goalie?
Forwards
First scoring line: ______/Sebastian Aho/Teuvo Teravainen  (Potential LW: Valentin Zykov)
If the Carolina Hurricanes draft Andrei Svechnikov as expected, both he and Valentin Zykov represent interesting wild cards despite their limited NHL experience. Past Zykov whose ‘to the crease’ style of play complements what Aho and Teravainen do well or Svechnikov who projects to this kind of role eventually, I am not overly high on anyone else on the Hurricanes roster filling this slot. The duo will score on their own, but my opinion is that the next leg up for Aho and Teravainen scoring-wise (point per game pace) requires a higher-end third player on this line.
First checking line: ______/Jordan Staal/Elias Lindholm
Even with modest talent around him, Jordan Staal is capable of anchoring a pretty solid defense-first line that takes the tough minutes against other teams’ top lines. But ideally on a winning team a line like this is also capable of scoring in the 50s. Making that happen would require some combination of a higher gear for Staal and whoever is on right wing (Lindholm, or Williams could also work), but more significantly, I think it requires a left wing with strong defensive acumen but also some playmaking ability. Given that the bigger needs lie elsewhere, I think the left wing slot on this line gets filled by someone on the current roster who is capable but maybe not ideal offensively.
Opportunistic scoring line: Jeff Skinner/_______/Justin Williams (Potential C: Martin Necas or a rejuvenated Victor Rask)
Call it a third line if you must, but I think of it more as a second scoring line that is deployed opportunistically. The great version of this line sees Skinner rebound a bit offensively, get back on task in terms of decision-making and maybe most significantly find chemistry such that he can boost the production of his line mates and vice versa. For whatever list of things that have Jeff Skinner being discussed in trade rumors instead of a long-term contract extension, I think two are most significant. First is that his game just has not matured in terms of defensive acumen such that he can be a positive lining up against other teams’ best lines all night. Second is that for as good as Jeff Skinner is when he is clicking, he has not been the type of offensive player who significantly boosts those around him. If Skinner does stay, the magic for this line would be Skinner finding chemistry with an offensively-capable center.
Fourth line with depth scoring capability: _____/______/_____Â Â (Potential: Numerous; see below)
The Hurricanes improving depth in the system makes for numerous possibilities for filling a fourth line with players capable of providing reasonable depth scoring. All of Victor Rask, Martin Necas, Lucas Wallmark or Derek Ryan (if re-signed) provide center options that would be strong offensively for a fourth line. At wing, the Hurricanes have veterans Joakim Nordstrom, Jordan Martinook, Brock McGinn and Phil DiGiuseppe (if re-signed) if the team needs a veteran stabilizer and/or a penalty killer from the fourth line, but the upside at wing is youth. But longer-term, the upside is youth in the form of players like Warren Foegele, Aleksi Saarela and others. The trick will be capitalizing on depth scoring upside while still netting a couple penalty killers and enough defensive balance.
Defensemen
Defensive first pairing: Jaccob Slavin/Brett Pesce
Ideally, the duo of Slavin and Pesce would contribute just a little bit more offensively despite their defense-leaning usage. But regardless, the duo has proven capable of taking the tough match ups, and I think it is fair to say that they represent the team’s strongest defenders. During the past two years, Peters was forced to separate the two to find competent balance, but in an ideal world I think simplest is to just leave them together.
Second pairing: _______/_________Â Â Â (Potential: Justin Faulk, Noah Hanifin and possibly Trevor van Riemsdyk)
Here is where the problem has lied defensively for consecutive years. For as much as everyone likes to talk about the youth of the Hurricanes blue line as a strength, that strength has yet to emerge as an every-game strength. In terms of building for 2018-19, I think this pairing requires one proven player from outside the organization combined with one of Justin Faulk or Noah Hanifin finding a higher gear. The question is how to add a player and if and when Faulk or Hanifin will find that higher gear.
Third pairing: Two of Justin Faulk, Noah Hanifin, Trevor van Riemsdyk, Haydn Fleury
My math is what has rumors bouncing around that Hanifin and/or Faulk are on the market. Even if one rises to the top 4, the math still suggests that the Hurricanes have a couple decent defensemen without slots in the lineup. Both Faulk and Hanifin clearly have the potential to be capable in the top 4, but betting a season on both finding that higher gear defensively is risky. There are more than enough options here…probably too many and too costly which is why the trade mills have the Canes potentially trading a defenseman this summer.
Netting it out and identifying priorities
Realistically, the Carolina Hurricanes will not address all of the higher needs by adding players. The reality will more so see the Hurricanes make a targeted addition or two and then fill in the remaining slots from what they have already.
My priorities in order would be:
1) Adding a potential starting goalie
The fact that the team committed significant money to make this improvement last season with no results is unfortunate, but betting the 2018-19 season on a Scott Darling turnaround is gambling not planning. The team must do something at this position past Scott Darling and Cam Ward.
2) Adding a defensively steady #4 defenseman.
The Hurricanes do not need spectacular out of a second pair defenseman. They just need the kind of steady that makes the player on the other side better. Again, both of Faulk and Hanifin could take a step up and be exactly the second pairing that the team needs with some offense but also defensive acumen. But that like Darling is gambling not planning.
3) Adding one higher-end scoring forward.
If the team plans to skate Aho at center (most likely), my preference would be to add proven scoring wing. While I do think Aho will improve again anyway, I think the higher echelons offensively will require some help too.
I went back and forth on the order to prioritize 2 and 3. In the end, I think the team’s depth and youth at forward have more potential to fill the immediate gap than the blue line necessarily does. That drove me to put adding a top 4 defense second. The challenge is that adding three top half of the roster players in an offseason is no easy feat. But if the team does trade a big name player or two, the possibility is there.
What say you Canes fans?
1) What parts of how I slot the current roster do you agree with?
2) What parts of how I slot the current roster do you disagree with?
3) What is your split with filling the openings with veterans already on the roster, rookies and players from outside the organization?
Go Canes!
1) The top-scoring line should be TAZ. I have been re-watching portions of the 9 games that featured this line (for whatever reason Zykov was on Roy’s line the last game of the season). Zykov is going to be a high-end scoring forward. There were multiple shifts in each game where TAZ created scoring chances. In the Ottawa game in Raleigh, Zykov scored–at first it wasn’t obvious if it was Zykov or Foegele as BOTH were DRIVING on the net–but the play that most impressed me was a quick pass Zykov made to find Ryan in the slot for an open shot that DR just missed. It wasn’t luck as Zykov had a very similar pass to Di Guiseppe in another game for one of his assists. Both plays demonstrated strength, vision, excellent hands, and most of all hockey sense. Those attributes really complement Aho’s ability to control the puck in the offensive zone and Teravainen’s ability to move to open spaces. I admit that Zykov will make mistakes due to inexperience, but he will create multiple scoring chances to offset those.
2) At the risk of being annoyingly repetitive, the “checking” line needs to have Foegele on Staal’s wing. Preferably with McGinn. This line would be physical, but would also have decent scoring potential. As an aside, McGinn was productive in limited power play time. I wonder if most of us underestimate his offensive upside; it could be 20+ goals given regular shifts on the PP.
At this point we all presume Svechnikov. As someone mentioned (tj or dmiller I believe) Lindholm should be this year’s version of Sean Couturier if he centers Svech.
That leaves the other line with Martinook/Rask/Williams or McGinn/Rask/Williams (if the harassment line is Foegele/Staal/Martinook). Either version is a line that can be trusted in any situation and should provide solid offense. It also makes the argument for moving away from traditional line numbering, as this line deserves 12-13 minutes of even-strength time just like the other three lines.
Agree with all your points about the D-men
3) As already mentioned the rookies are Svechnikov/Zykov/Foegele. I think two veterans will be acquired in trades involving Skinner and Faulk/Hannifin. My guess is that Faulk is slightly more likely to be moved than Hanifin. An ideal return would be a forward who can play LW and a solid RHD. The LW could play with Lindholm/Svechnikov and also be a strong contributor on the penalty kill. Because in addition to goaltending and scoring, the performance of the special teams must be improved. The RHD could stabilize Hanifin’s pairing and also be an upgrade on the PK. Getting two additions with the necessary skillsets is much easier through trade than through free agency, which appears light on proven veterans this year.
Again I will say I really don’t know what will resolve the goalie issues.
A limited sample size of preseason and a couple NHL games suggests (for me) that Foegele will need time to adjust to the NHL speed and game on a lower line. He is fine as a first forechecker where all he has to do is fly at the puck, but he needs work in read/react situations in transition and backchecking where the assignment is not obvious. That is fine for playing against lesser players but against the players Staal lines up against, you have to get that right every time.
Foegele is exactly the type of forward who can play on a line like Staal’s, but I do not think it is in October of 2018.
Good point based on your personal observations. Foegele playing with Rask makes sense as well.
The checking/disruption line needs to be able to score. So I would at least want McGinn on that line. I was surprised when I looked: McGinn had more even strength goals than T.J. Oshie or Wayne Simmonds. McGinn had 14 in about 13 minutes of ice time. Not too far off Mike Hoffman who had 19 averaging 161/2 minutes (may not be exact as I am going from memory).
I had Foegele with Staal and Lindholm, but I could see swapping McGinn and putting Foegele with Rask. I think either works. I remember how many posts McGinn had. His scoring would have been considerably higher with a bit of luck, no doubt he is both defensive and offensive.
1. The two parts of the roster I most agree with are Staal/ Lindholm and Slavin/Pesce. Carolina has the chance to have an elite shutdown line in Staal/Lindholm/Foegele. Two face off champs and Foegele keeping the puck away from other teams best lines. For whatever reason Slavin and Pesce are just better together. Let them do what they do. Hopefully RBA will not switch players up who have chemistry at the first sign of trouble.
2. I disagree with the idea of a traditional fourth line. If my calculus is correct TT, the Russian, Lindholm, and Williams are all RWs. Williams is not a fourth line player. The lines will be used appropriately for the situation. This will be more difficult on the road of course. I think Hanifin is a top four defenseman. He needs to put on his big boy pants this season and prove it. No excuses of role, partner, or contract. He needs to play to his talent level.
3. As many have said the team needs to have the right players in the correct roles and I offer that rookies are fine if lined up with veterans. The biggest challenge I see is who plays with Aho/TT. Aho is a center, period. He has proven that. So I don’t think a player like Zykov or the Russian should be on that line just for the consideration of experience. I see it shaking out something like this
__/Aho/TT
Foegele/Staal/Lindholm
Zykov/Anisimov/the Russian
McGinn/Rask/Williams
Slavin/Pesce
Hanifin/Murphy(Blackhawks)
Fleury/ veteran RD
I assume a trade with Chicago in this scenario. Probably won’t happen but wishful thinking on my part. Murphy is a Boston guy who I think could be a strong pairing with Hanifin. Anisimov is a guy who can play on the P.K. and bring a veteran presence on that line. Aho and TT could use a big winger who is not shy about taking up for teammates.
The starting goalie is anyone’s guess. I have no idea. It will be interesting to see how the team does come together over the next month or so.
1. Aho and TT are definitely a given. I can’t make up my mind about Staal/Lindholm (not having Lindholm play at center). I guess good old Slaven nd Psce do belong together as a defense pairing.
2. There is no place for the Russian in your projected lineup. Given the positive experience of teams having top 3 draft pick forwards on their opening day roster I have to disagree with not slotting him somewhere immediately. I wouldn’t put him on the Aho/TT line, I think that is Zykov’s spot to lose (probably to a veteran brought in via trade). Also, in the ideal world, I’d trade Rask and give Lindholm a shot at center, maybe with the Russian kid and Williams. I agree that Necas should have the possibility, even expectation of initially reporting to Charlotte, though I have no complaints if he rises up faster than a pre-cut salmonella laced watermelon and earns a place on the opening day roster.
I don’t know, the suggested forward lineup just doesn’t look exciting or appealing to me, too much of the same old same old.
I left a bunch of blanks, but assuming both earn a roster spot, I think it could be interesting to hitch Svechnikov and Necas together on a 4th line. Key thing is that they get regular shifts (so not 8-9 4th line minutes) and power play ice time to boot. There is no way to tell how quickly they will develop, but in terms of ceiling that has the potential to become the core of the 2nd scoring line.
Also, in a lineup with a ton of youth at forward, I really like Rask/Williams as a pair. They are light on speed, but both players get it defensively. Depending on how things shake out, that could be a nice landing spot for Foegele to add a bit more speed in the form of a heat seeking missile type forechecker with two strong read/react players behind him.
Rask and Williams together is a whole lot of slow. Hard to see that working. Rask has a whole lot to prove to the team, IMO. He should get the chance, but as Brind’Amour said at the press conference players have to earn their time. I think this will apply to all the rookies as well. I don’t think you will see any of Zykov, Foegele, Wallmark, or Svechnikov start in the top six forward positions unless they totally out perform a veteran in camp. They may move up as the season progresses, but I don’t think any of them will be given a top spot.
If Necas we have 4 centers: Staal-Aho-Lindholm-Rask.
I am assuming, for now, that: (a) we don’t trade Rask, and (b) Lindy rediscovers his grit.
Rask is a superior center to most other team’s 4Cs and adds an offensive component that has long been missing by the Canes in that spot. That is me hoping we retain him in that role rather than trading him because he is “too expensive” for a 4C.
Put McGinn on Lindy’s wing and you have a line that likes to hit, and plays some offense.
Aho centers TAZ, for as long as Zykov performs.
Describing Svech as projecting to be a “to the crease” doesn’t do him justice. I am sure you have seen his shot chart from this year. He shoots and scores from all around the O-zone.
If RBA is serious about helping Staal open up his offensive game put Svech on his wing. Staal, with his tendency to play a possession game, lined up next to a big Russian who can score from anywhere could make that a potent line – nevermind Staal getting reward when he goes to the crease for a pass or rebound.
Svech could be exactly what the doctor ordered for Staal’s offensive game.
As for D-men, we could be needing both a left-shot and a right-shot next season if Hanifin and Faulk get moved. Bringing in a stabilizing r-s vet would be ideal for Fleury and possibly Bean or McKeown’s development.
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I will probably repeat in a more appropriate article but I want to address your comment “The challenge is that adding three top half of the roster players in an offseason is no easy feat. But if the team does trade a big name player or two, the possibility is there.”
Ever since TD bought the team I have been looking for parallels between the Canes and the Dallas Mavs, owned by TD’s good friend who was probably instrumental in getting TD to purchase the Canes. First if you squint your eyes and tilt your head Don Waddell and Don Nelson could almost be brothers! 😀
More seriously, the Mavs had just gotten their franchise player – is Svechnikov our version of Nowitzki?? That would be a parallel in fortuitous circumstances.
But the one thing that marked Cuban’s early time as owner and set the stage for the Mavs success in subsequent years was a major trade involving 10 or 11 players from 2 or more teams (I think, without googling, the primary trade partner was the Knicks). And these were not minor players being moved. There has been talk about big roster changes for the Canes – and I really do think TD wants to use the Cuban/Mavs model of a game-changing set of trades to change the culture and the direction of the team. Whether he succeeds is another story entirely. Apparently the word is now that the Canes are overvaluing the assets being offered. We’ll see.
“If Necas isn’t ready…”
Should have included one more question…
What do you think the team should do or try to do at goalie?
Worried that Rask/Williams is too low and too slow, mostly too slow,, that’s as low as I will go, I hope they prove me wrong though.
I like the idea of the Russian kid playing wing with Staal, not sure about the third man there, maybe Williams, maybe McGinn, maybe our acquisition from Arizona, maybe Fogele
Someone on Hockeybuzz claims that the Canes are trying to acquire Rick Nash. I don’t see a spot for him in the lineup, expensive, getting older, getting slower.
For goalies, the Canes shuld do their best to pawn Darling off on Chicago for Hossa. I’ve always thought it was a great idea. Maybe even throw in a decent prospect and a pick or two if we can get Murphy from the Blackhawks as well.
Nothing suits the Canes better than a large cap hit and low actual salary.
I like the idea of Faulk or Hannifin to Tor for Sparksand one of their right wingers, but it still requires the signing of another RFA or UFA goalie. wonder if Skiner or Williams could be traded back to the Caps for Grubauer, even if Canes retain some salary.
With a duo of Grubauer and Sparks manning the crease I’d feel more optimistic. Ward could be brought in on a reasonable one-year deal to stabilize the crease area.
I just can’t stand the thought of a duo of Darling and Ward to start the next season, but I am worried it is not even possible but even likely.
Okay first Matt, ain’t nobody going to sit around and let Scott Darling be put in a position to play 70 games next year. I’d think we’d all like to see a Grubauer or Hutton come in for a 1A/1B type of tandem in any direction, but if it’s Darling, Cam and a Pickard, we’re still in position for better goaltending. Leaving aside the Bill Peters argument, which i subscribe to, unless Scott Darling is the second coming of Jim Carey, there is no evidence to suggest low probability of a rebound there.
On to the actual questions:
1. I agree with your top pair and top forward line.
I do not want to put Lindholm on Jordan Staal’s line. While he is the defensive player that can help generate that shutdown line, if anyone has the ability to generate more in Lindholm’s offensive game, I’d say it would be Svechnikov. Plus, as crazy as it sounds, Lindholm may be the person most able to relate to super high expectations at such a young age. I want to see the two play together when we draft the Russian. Ctcaniac, I can totally see a TAZ top line, so long as Zykov can keep up and play adequate defensively along the other two.
2. I think we’ve already established a disconnect at goalie, but honestly, I just disagree with the word proven. Proven is overrated. Learning experiences and youthful mistakes should not be frowned at, they should be celebrated. Foegele, Necas, etc. if they show even the slightest sign that they are NHL ready (and Foegele has), I say give them a chance to earn a spot. Let the competition breed greatness, a la Vegas. We aren’t Lindholming these kids, and I still maintain that even he turned out okay. Let them play.
3. Yeah, i’m pretty sure I’m 80-20 on the let the rookies play. With the #2 my desperation for the playoffs dropped even further, if that’s possible. I’m good for another 2-3 years though I doubt it will take that long with these kids. Screw the immediacy, let the kids grow and learn together, let Justin Williams and Jordan Staal mentor these kids into true NHLers and let’s just see what happens. This rebuild is going damn near perfectly, and I would hate to see impatience screw it up now.
1) I understand the reluctance to bring in rookies before they are ready. I am making the assumption that our management does not screw this up but I can see Svechnikov with Aho (center) and Teravainen. Yah, total rookie, but looks to be generational talent. We brought Lindholm in too quick but I believe we can bring in Svechnikov. This could be a very dangerous scoring line.
Checking line. I like Foegele with Stall and Lindholm. I do realize Lindholm could be a center also.
For second scoring line, surround Necas with Skinner and Williams. Two veterans and a rookie center.
I can seen Rask centering the 4th line (assuming we do not trade him & pretty expensive for 4th line but it is what it is). McGinn & Zykov giving that line defense as well as scoring capability.
Jordan Martinook as the extra.
That is my guess with what we have now.
Defense,
Brett Pesce/Jaccob Slavin
new right D/Noah Hanifin
I believe Faulk gets traded but it has to bring back equal value. Its time for Hanifin to take that next step.
Trevor van Riemsdyk/Haydn Fleury
Roland McKeown is the extra
Goalie: If we are lucky Chicago trades for Darling. We should not trade a player just to get rid of Dalrling’s salary. IMO, it would be better to eat it and put him at the AHL if he begins like he did last year. I can see the Faulk for Artem Anisimov (with things to make it even), but not a give away for Darling’s salary.
Beyond that, because of damage control, I see the 3 headed goalie monster. Darling with potential demotion, Cam, with reasonable contract because he is a good back up and then our new option. There are a few names out there but this is the reason we did not make the playoff last year.
With what we have coming in and what we already have, we do not need that much from the outside. The goaltending is what will make or beak us. I have no problem making a run at JT, JVR, ROR (Faulk trade maybe), Stastny, Ilya Kovalchuk, etc, but would not count on it.
I am certainly not a GM, this is just my take at the moment.
2) Do not disagree with your thoughts. I just filled in some of the blanks. I tried to be aware of left and right and also tried to put new guys with veterans. I agree with the new goalie, new 4th D and a scoring right winger. Pretty much the same as last year.
3) I gave my rundown for veterans/rookies.
I keep remembering TD saying we need to be tougher to play against. My bet is that any trade or FA acquisitions will meet that criteria. So far, Martinook and Svechnikov are steps in that direction.
1. Aho – New LW or C – TT
2. McGinn – Staal – Williams
3. Skinner – Lindholm – Svechnikov
4. Martinook – Rask (or his replacement) – Foegele
1. Slavin – Pesce
2. Hanafin – New shutdown RD
3. Fleury – TVR
4. McKeown
1A goalie – TBD
1B goalie – Ward
It may not mean much, but I thought it was unusual for Edmonton to sign the 29 year old Finnish team goaltender Koskinen for $2.5M for one season when they have serious salary cap pressure and 2 goalies under contract. He played 10 games in the recent tournament with a 1.61 GAA and a .932 SV%. Also, they are rumored to be shopping Lucic. I know he is slow and had a bad season and has an albatross contract, but he certainly meets the criteria of being tough to play against. It’s a longshot, but maybe there are the makings of a blockbuster deal with the Canes.
In my opinion, I think the lines could be a little different than most are saying. Obviously depending on what, if any, trades or UFA signings are made. I will speculate on what I could happen. May be in the minority but I’m not sure Foegele will be on the opening night roster as many have stated.
With the players we have coming bac, the additions & what we may have in signings & trades, I just don’t see any room for him or Wallmark.
I think it could work out as such:
If we trade Skinner or Faulk to Buff for ROR, then it changes the whole dynamic from last year because he will be a top 2 center with either Aho & TT or Zykov & Svechnikov depending on if the trade is for Skinner or Faulk. Skinny could be on LW in place of Zykov if it is Faulk. Lindholm can center the other pair of wings until Necas plays his way in which I don’t think will be long into the season if not the start.
I think the best shut down line is going to still be a McGinn-Staal-Williams line that will still give a hint of offense.
Leaving a fourth line of to be centered by Rask if we still have him. This could go many ways as with letting Necas get some time before getting more playing more as he gets adjusted or an opportunity for Wallmark if he can impress in camp. The wingers should be Martinook & possibly Foegele but I wouldn’t look past Maenalanen. That would be a huge line size-wise to play against also with some offensive ability. If Maenalanen makes it then Foegele may not & I don’t think they will want him sitting in the press box just to be with the big club. Better for him to be playing in CLT.
So I think it could look like this come opening night:
Aho-ROR-TT
Zykov-Lindholm-Svechnikov
Skinny(if not traded) or McGinn-Staal-Williams
McGinn/Martinook-Rask/Necas-Maenalanen/Foegele
If we don’t get ROR or a top 2 center then Aho moves to center & the left wings slide up a line or if we trade or sign for a forward they could slot in the appropriate line.
The good thing is this year we have options that seem much better than before since Aho & Lindy got some experience playing center last year.
Trades:
Just to touch on a couple that have been noted more often:
If we trade Skinny or Faulk to Buff for ROR, then it fills our need for a top 2 center, but I would hate to lose Skinny goal production when I think Brindy will bring out a new fire in him. Would rather trade Faulk for ROR & sign a vet dman to boost Hanifin’s play.
There is talk of us swapping Hanifin for Ristolainen but that doesn’t make since unless we trade Faulk too because Risto is a RHD & would probably push Faulk to 3rd pairing which I don’t see it working that way. Maybe swapping Faulk for Risto just for the change of scenery. Don’t see either of these happening. However, Faulk for ROR could happen because Buff has been rumored to maybe trade Risto in which they would need to replace him with a RHD like Faulk.
On to the elephant in the room, the goalies:
I would throw caution to getting Grubauer & signing him like we did with Darling but it’s probably what it’s going to take to get him. He is coming off the same experience Darling did as a backup to ready to start. As we all know, that doesn’t always work out, but in this case I would take my chance on Grubauer. Hopefully it couldn’t be worse than with Darling.
Whatever happens, I hope it is the best for the Canes.
I just want us to win. I miss the playoffs !!!
Matt – your question about what to do with the goalie situation is too important to tack on as an afterthought, although I know you had intended it as Q4. I have a lot of thoughts about that – and none of them are spelled Grubauer, for the inquiring minds at home – but I will save them for the possible future post.
No worries. Based on the fact that the Canes just hired Jeff Daniels, king of the AHL lack of success as the new assistant coach, (anybody remember Zach ‘Boychuk?) I think the promised roster shakeup over the summer may consist of trading Nordstrom to Arizona in exchange for Markus Kruger.
Seriously, the Canes new ownership’s record looks worse with every move they make, this one is just stupid, pardon my French. Daniels has an awful AHL record as a coach and did a truly awful job with creating NHL caliber talent out of AHL players, granted maybe they were that terrible to begin with but it’s not as if the Canes have updated the scouting department.
Yes, great players do not equal good coaches, but Jeff was probably willing to sign for less than $300K which is the ultimate measure of the team’s success.